Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas has once again stepped into the spotlight, this time to defend San Jose State volleyball star Blaire Fleming against waves of criticism.
Thomas, who has faced her own share of backlash for competing in women’s sports, made it clear that transgender women deserve the same respect and opportunities as their cisgender counterparts.
Fleming, a standout player in college volleyball, recently became the target of controversy after critics questioned her right to compete. As the debate over transgender athletes continues to escalate, Thomas took a firm stance, delivering a message of solidarity and strength: “We are women, and we deserve equal treatment.”
Lia Thomas, who made history as the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship, knows firsthand the struggles of being a trans woman in sports. Having endured relentless criticism, political scrutiny, and even personal attacks, she understands what Fleming is now experiencing.
In a direct response to the controversy surrounding Fleming, Thomas issued a passionate statement reminding the world that transgender women are not outsiders or intruders in the sports world—they are athletes who have trained, sacrificed, and competed just like anyone else.
“We are women,” Thomas declared. “We are not threats. We are competitors, teammates, and champions. And we will not be erased.”
Her words resonated deeply, sending a strong message to those who continue to challenge the rights of transgender athletes to compete fairly.
Fleming’s rise in collegiate volleyball has been met with both admiration and hostility. While she has excelled on the court, demonstrating undeniable skill and dedication, her success has also attracted criticism from those who claim that transgender athletes have an unfair advantage in women’s sports.
The attacks on Fleming follow a familiar pattern, one that Thomas has experienced firsthand. Opponents argue that transgender women competing against cisgender women is a violation of fairness in sports, despite research showing that there are many factors that contribute to athletic performance beyond just biology.
Yet, amidst the controversy, Fleming has remained focused on her game, refusing to let the negativity overshadow her achievements. And with Thomas standing firmly in her corner, the message is clear: transgender athletes will not back down.
The backlash against transgender athletes is not new, but it has intensified in recent years. With policies changing, lawmakers intervening, and sports organizations struggling to find common ground, transgender athletes are left in a constant battle to defend their right to compete.
For Thomas, this fight is deeply personal. Since her NCAA victory, she has been the subject of political debates, legal challenges, and exclusionary policies that have threatened the future of trans athletes. Despite all of it, she refuses to be silenced.
“The argument that we don’t belong in sports is based on fear, not facts,” Thomas said. “We train just as hard. We put in the hours. We face the same physical and mental demands as any other athlete. The only difference is that we have to fight twice as hard just to be seen as equals.”
Thomas’ unwavering support for Fleming is more than just a statement—it’s a rallying cry for transgender athletes everywhere. It’s a reminder that representation matters and that every athlete, regardless of their gender identity, deserves to be treated with fairness and respect.
While critics continue to push for the exclusion of trans women in sports, voices like Thomas’ are growing louder. More and more athletes, allies, and advocacy groups are stepping forward to challenge outdated views and demand policies that protect the rights of all athletes.
As the battle for equality in sports rages on, Thomas’ words serve as a powerful reminder: transgender women are women. They belong in sports. And they will not stop fighting for their right to compete.
